Vibration reduction in 0-g using input shaping on the MIT Middeck Active Control Experiment

The performance of many spacecraft can be improved by using closed-loop control and command-shaping techniques to reduce problematic vibration. However, due to uncertainties about the operation of controlled structures in zero-gravity, little information exists to give designers confidence in eventual on-orbit performance. The Middeck Active Control Experiment (MACE), scheduled for launch aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavor in March 1995, is designed to investigate these issues by collecting on-orbit data from a controlled flexible structure. In addition to providing a description of the MACE project, this paper presents 0-g predictions for some of the MACE command shaping experiments and describes how the anticipated mission results will be used to understand how to improve the performance of other space systems